Christmas by the Sea

The holiday Season is perhaps the next best time of year to visit Chincoteague Island. The average air temperature in December is 50 degrees with sunny skies. Just imagine yourself, in a cozy warm sweater, listening to the laughing gulls while walking along the beach to the rhythm of the ocean waves gathering shells and driftwood for holiday ornaments.

It’s casual here, come as you are. We invite you to consider spending a pre-holiday weekend on Chincoteague, take in the sights and sounds, and relax.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset at the dock; they are the prettiest you’ll see. When it disappears on the horizon, savor a bowl of clam chowder and warm bread, or feast on roast turkey and oyster stuffing.

…Even a cool day at the beach beats a day at work!

Events For 2015 – 2016

NOVEMBER 27TH

EVENT: Christmas Manor

TIME: 5:00 PM

LOCATION: Chincoteague Island

Who would have thought…….Saint Nicks Summer get away right here on Chincoteague Island, all decked out for the holidays! How do those elves do it? Perhaps you can get the “INSIDE” scoop on the “Homes for the Holidays” Tour.

NOVEMBER 28TH

EVENT: 29th Annual Deborah Waterfowl Show/Auction

TIME: Sat: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

LOCATION: Chincoteague Combined School – 4586 Main Street

The last decoy show of the year for Chincoteague carvers and artists. Come do your Christmas Shopping at the Chincoteague Combined School at 4586 Main St. Over 100 exhibitors are featured. Each year there is a featured carver and artist. All exhibitors are glad to meet and talk with the public. Exhibits are available for purchase. Refreshments will be available. For more details: Call (757) 336-3478.

NOVEMBER 28TH

EVENT: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

TIME: 5:00 PM

LOCATION: Robert Reed Downtown Park

Chincoteague’s holiday season officially begins! There will be holiday songs and caroling. Town officials, dignitaries and local celebrities will be among those attending. All are invited to join in the celebration. Many shops will be open after the tree lighting to offer early holiday shopping. Be sure to purchase your Christmas by the Sea T-Shirts. (All proceeds go to support local holiday events)

In the true spirit of giving the Chincoteague Kiwanis Club holds its annual pancake supper on the first Wednesday in December. It is hosted by Bill’s Seafood Restaurant (4040 Main Street) Kiwanis members and Bill’s staff donate their time and tips to help families in need at the holidays. Tickets available from any Kiwanis Member, H & H Pharmacy or Mason Oil Co. Money raised will help make Christmas merrier for many this year. Kiwanis is an organization of volunteers…..”Dedicated to Changing the World, One Child and One Community At a Time”

Who wouldn’t want to be home for the holiday if it could be in any one of the dozen extraordinary Chincoteague Island homes that go on tour for “Homes for the Holiday”, the 2015 Chincoteague Island Holiday Home Tour.

The event, expected to be popular with locals as well as our out-of-town guest, is a great opportunity to peek inside remarkable homes that represent the architectural integrity and diversity of our eclectic community. Decked out in their finest for the holidays, the tour homes will have docents on duty to point out the rich history, architecture, distinctive features and decorations of each home. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW ($20) Call: (484) – 995 – 6001

A MUST SEE! Make sure to arrive in plenty of time to get the good seats.

A truly Old fashioned Christmas Parade, featuring floats, marching bands, color guards, Saltwater Cowboys, Fire Companies from around the shore, and much more. And YES! of course!… Santa himself will be making a special visit. There are prizes and awards in a variety of categories. The awards ceremony and up close visit with Saint Nick takes place at the Firehouse after the parade.

***Look for the return of King Neptune and his Mermaid Queen …celebrating “Christmas by the Sea”***

While Santa Claus hustles and bustles in preparation for the big night, Mrs. Claus is doing much more than sugaring Santa’s cookies and shining his shoes.

Once again, Mrs. Claus, accompanied by Santa’s elves, will travel all the way from the North Pole to be the guest of honor at the Christmas By the Sea children’s tea party at the Hampton Inn, Main Street Chincoteague, on Sunday, Dec. 13th.

The event has garnered so much attention, and with limited seating you must call now to reserve your child’s seat for 2PM.

“Santa agreed that I could come,” said Mrs. Claus . “It’ll be lots of fun.”

Mrs. Claus, who knows Santa better than anyone, will show the children a scrapbook of her life with Santa. She’ll offer sing-a-long Christmas songs, games and gifts.

After the children have had their hot cocoa, kid-sized sandwiches and Christmas cookies, they’ll have an opportunity to have their photo taken with the Queen of the North Pole.

“They’ll learn things that will surprise them,” said Mrs. Claus.

Pre-paid reservations are required at $15 per person.

Call 757-894-0924

The children are encouraged to dress for a tea party. Accessories will be available for guests who do not have something.

The Hampton Inn has free parking, easy access, and room for those escorting our Tea Party guests.

Worship at one of the many candlelight services. Or simply take in a silent night.

DECEMBER 25TH

EVENT: Christmas Day

What’s better than a peaceful stroll along the beach to take in the wonders of a truly magnificent day.

DECEMBER 31ST

EVENT: New Years Eve – Pony Island Horseshoe Drop & Costume Promenade

TIME: 10:30 PM

LOCATION: Robert Reed Downtown Park

Join us for New Years Eve!

This year’s theme is: TO BE ANNOUNCED

The Pony Island Horseshoe Drop is an end of year celebration that culminates in a promenade of crazy costumes just before the countdown to the stroke of midnight. That’s when the lighted horseshoe drops just in time to ring in the New Year!….

It’s not Swarovski Crystal…but it does sparkle!

Wear your favorite costume or just be a spectator… It’s all perfectly natural here!

To become totally immersed in the oddest of silly visual spectacles, you should head for the Downtown Waterfront Park around 10:30PM.

Prizes will be awarded in various categories

Bring your camera to capture the spectacle, dress warm, wear a hat and gloves for sure, and comfortable shoes so you can shimmy and dance to the beat, but most importantly; bring family and friends with you to enjoy the grand fun that is all Chincoteague!

Nothing can compare to the invigorating feeling you get by plunging into the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean! It really is an awesome experience. There will be lots of fun all around. Plungers are encouraged to dress up in the zaniest, craziest costume they can come up with!

To convince the skeptics back at work, get a t-shirt to memorialize every chilling detail!

Prizes await the best costumes in many categories, and more! Just remember, if you decide to plunge, you’ll need to read and sign the Plunge Waiver and Release Form. There is NO fee to enter the water.

Don’t be left out in the cold!

Too Chicken to Plunge?

You can still offer enthusiasm, and dip a finger or big toe in. Hey, be proud, and stand tall, someone had to hold the towel! And you can still buy a T-shirt!

*CLICK HERE to download ENTRY FORM & details… All participants must read form thoroughly and sign to enter.

Are you ready to visit for our Open House days this weekend (Fri-Sun, 11-5)? Even Misty is ready for the festivities! 🎄🐴 This Friday and Sunday we'll have local artisans here from 1-3. Stop by for some seasonal refreshments, children's activities, gift shop browsing and exhibit exploring! ($4/adult, Children 12 & under are FREE)